Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has declared that forming a coalition government with Reform UK would be "monstrous." She characterized defectors from the Conservative Party to Reform UK as "some of the most dishonest people" she has encountered.
Speaking at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Badenoch emphasized her desire for a Conservative victory "on my own terms." She indicated that if the upcoming general election results in a hung Parliament, she would rather face another election than enter into a coalition with Reform UK. Badenoch specifically criticized Reform's leader, Nigel Farage, describing his policy positions as erratic and unpredictable.
"Reform has people who left the Conservative Party, some of the most dishonest people I have ever met in my entire life," Badenoch stated. She identified Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman, and Danny Kruger among those who have defected to Reform UK.
Badenoch warned that the country would face significant challenges if the Conservatives do not form the next government. However, she reiterated her stance against a "monstrous Reform/Conservative hybrid," advocating instead for a clear Conservative majority.
When questioned about the possibility of a Labour/Liberal Democrat coalition in the event of a hung Parliament, Badenoch suggested that a further election would be the outcome if parties are unable to form a government. "If we get a hung Parliament and people see that the parties can't form a government, you have another election," she said.
She further elaborated on her concerns about working with Reform UK, citing the party's perceived lack of stable policy and Farage's history of disputes. "How do I work with people like that when I am making carefully curated plans and taking a systems-based approach? How do you work with a man who has fallen out with every single person he has ever had to work with in every single party that he has started? I have to win on my own terms," she added.